India Advances Plan to Buy Five More S-400 Systems
India has moved a step closer to acquiring five additional S-400 Triumf air defence systems from Russia, with Moscow submitting a detailed cost proposal to New Delhi. However, the proposed procurement has not yet received final government approval.
Russia Submits S-400 Cost Proposal to India
Russia has submitted a Bill of Quantities covering construction and material costs for the five additional S-400 squadrons, allowing formal price negotiations to proceed.
Once the cost is finalised, the proposal will require clearance from the finance ministry before being placed before the Cabinet Committee on Security for final approval. Other reports have estimated the potential acquisition at more than ₹50,000 crore.
India signed its original contract with Russia in October 2018 for five S-400 systems in a deal valued at approximately $5.43 billion. The final system under that contract is expected to reach India in November 2026.
Operation Sindoor Boosts Case for More S-400s
The push for additional systems follows the reported performance of India’s S-400 network during Operation Sindoor in May 2025.
The long-range surface-to-air missile system was deployed as part of India’s layered air defence architecture during hostilities with Pakistan. Indian military accounts have credited the S-400 with playing an important role in restricting hostile aircraft operations and intercepting aerial threats.
Additional squadrons would substantially expand India’s long-range air defence coverage, including along sensitive northern and eastern sectors.
No Final Decision Yet on Russian Su-57 Jets
Separately, India has not taken a final decision to acquire Russia’s Su-57 fifth-generation fighter aircraft. The Indian Air Force has shown interest in Moscow’s proposal, but discussions have not yet resulted in an approved procurement.
The potential S-400 expansion comes amid broader India-Russia discussions on advanced defence technologies and future military cooperation.
